1. G.C.C.:
Gulf Cooperation Council was created on May 25, 1981. The 630 million- acre Council comprises the Perssan Gulf states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
It is a trade bloc with many economic and social objectives.
2. G-77:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Is a loose coalition of developing nations, designed to promote its members collective economic interests and create and enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations. There are 77 founding member countries. Today membership is 130 countries.
3. I.C. R.C:
International Committee on Red- Cross (I.C.R.C) is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and armed violence. In recent years, the ICRC has been confronted with and has responded to a growing variety of crisis situation.
4. Mercosur:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Is a Regional Trade Agreement (RTA) among Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay founded in 1991 by the Treaty of Asuncion, which was later amended and updated by the 1994 Treaty of Ouro-Preto. Its purpose is to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people and currency.
The International Criminal Police Organization, also known by its telegraphic address Interpol, is an organization facilitating international police cooperation. It was established as the International Criminal Police Commission in 1923 and adopted its telegraphic address as its name in 1956. The organization’s headquarters are in Lyon, Fiance.
5. G-8 Summit 2007:
The 33rd G-8 Summit was held in June 2007 in Germany. Climate change, environment conservation, poverty in Africa and regional security were the main themes of discussion.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
To bring the understanding regarding the cooperation between USA and India, regarding giving consent to nuclear deal, Hyde Act 2006 was introduced.
According to Global Governance, there would be one type of governance all over the world, and equal social, economic systems will prevail.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
The operation which was implemented by the army men in Pakistan’s Lai Masjid to vocate it, which was occupied illegally by the terrorists was given the name, Operation Silence.
9. SAARC Human Rights Report 2006 :
According to the SAARC Human Rights Report 2006, the dissatisfaction regard- j ing the condition related to human rights among; SAARC countries. Emphasis was put to improve such conditions.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
10. ICTD :
Information and Communication Technologies for Development is for the development of socio-economic development and to use successfully the telecommunication technology.
11. IAEA :
International Atomic Energy Agency; was established in 1957, whose main purpose is to encourage the peaceful use of the nuclear weapon.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
12. BIMSTEC :
Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sec- i tor Technical and Economic Cooperation is an organisation of seven countries for mutual benefits and economic cooperation.
13. ICJ :
International Court of Justice is the highest judicial authority which considers cases in which two countries may have disputes.
14. Pakistan role in Srilanka:
Pakistan’s influence on Sri Lanka’s counter-insurgency operations is growing. Pakistani air force personnel are deeply involved in directing Colombo’s air strikes on Tamil areas. The Pakistan air force officers have reportedly been guiding the SLAF officers have reportedly been guiding the SLAF officers have reportedly been guiding the SLAF officers in effectively carrying out air-mounted operations against the LTTE.
15. Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty :
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a treaty, opened for signature on July 1, 1968, restricting the possession of nuclear weapons. The vast majority of sovereign states (189) are parties to the treaty. However two out of seven nuclear powers and one possible nuclear power have not ratified the treaty.
16. Trade through Nathu La Pass :
The Nathu La Pass reopened after 44 years on July 6. The turnover in trade between China and India through the reopened Nathu La Pass in Sikkim in three months has been estimated at around Rs. 18 lakh. Imports have exceeded exports.
17. Outer Space Treaty:
The Outer Space Treaty bars signatories from placing nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in orbit of Earth, installing them on the moon or any other celestial body, or to otherwise station them in outer space
18. Withdrawal of Japanese Troops from Iraq:
Japan has decided to withdraw its troops from Iraq, former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s announcement ended the Japanese military’s riskiest and most ambitious overseas mission since World War Two.
19. Maastricht Treaty:
An agreement ratified in 1993 in which the EU countries set in motion a process to create a monetary union and common currency.
20. Cuba and Castro:
Fidel Castro is the longest serving political leader in the world having first gained power on January 1, 1959. Castro’s record as Cuba’s leader is mixed at best as judged by the principles its “greatest hero” espoused.
21. ICJ:
International Court of Justice. Its main functions are to settle disputes submitted to it by states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions submitted to it by the General Assembly or Security Council, or by such specialised agencies as may be authorized to do so by the General Assembly in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
22. INTELSAT:
International Telecommunications Satellite Organization, an intergovernmental consortium owning and managing a constellation of communications satellites to provide international broadcast services.
23. IBRD:
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Its primary purpose is to provide technical assistance and loans at market- related rates of interest to developing countries at more advanced stages of development.
24. WMO:
World Meteorological Organization. It is a UN specialized agency promoting scientific research on the Earth’s atmosphere and on climate change, and facilitating the global exchange of meteorological data.
25. WHO
World Health Organisation. It is a United Nations agency to coordinate international health activities and to help governments improve health services.
26. Indians in China:
With increasing trade, Indian businessmen are opening production facilities in China. The number of Indians in China is also increasing due to greater liberalisation of both the economies.
27. Cyber-Terrorism:
Use of computers and internet to create terror through hacking, stalking, introducing computer viruses etc. to result strategic, economic damages or propagate political goals.
28. Military Rule in Myanmar:
Maynmar is ruled by State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) dictated by military generals. The chairman is Than Shwe and recently the liberal Prime Minister Khn Nyunt was removed. There is a movement for democracy under Aung San Sunkyi against military rule.
29. Camp David Accord of 1978:
Agreement for peace in the middle-east, signed between Egyptian President Sadat and Israel; PM Mechanem Begin; brokered by the USA.
30. Future of Indian expatriates in the gulf:
Restrictions being placed on migrant comunities in many Gulf States has led to return of a large number of expatriates to India, mainly construction workers. However, there are other fields opening like knowledge sector and IT where there is demand for Indians in the gulf.
31. ICJ verdict on Israel’s erection of barner on the West Bank.
The internal court of justice has said that the controversial ‘security barrier’ that Israel has been building in occupied West Bank was illegal and must be dismantled. It has advised the United Nations to following ruling.
32. Beijing-Taiwan Spat.
The main controversial issue is that the Beijing wants Taiwan to rejoin China on the basis of historical realities and in the light of the international community’s recognition of the principle of one China.
33. Prospects of international water-wars.
Today, along with India most of the countries of the world are facing water shortage due to ground water shortage, poor water management and policy.
34. A1 Gharib Prisoners.
Al Gharib is a notorious prison in the suburb of Baghdad which was in news recently because of the harassment of the Iraqi prisoners by the military intelligence officer of US led coalition Army.
35. Recent developments in India- Myanmar relations.
The Indian Government has credited a huge amount for the construction of Myanmar railways and Myanmar has also given assurance that it would not allow its territory to be used for anti-India activities.
The abbreviation stands for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. It is a group of seven nations and on 21st July, 2004 its summit was held in Bangkok.
37. ARF :
It stands for the ASEAN Regional Forum of which India is a member. It deals with the security issues, mostly of the region concern.
It was established in 1928 with its headquarter in Geneva to promote worldwide humanitarian aid through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in war time and League of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies (LORCRCS) in peace time.
39. OPEC :
It refers to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. It was established in 1959 with it’s headquarter at Vienna, Austria and aimed to set world prices by controlling oil production and also persues interest in trade and development.
40. IAEA :
It stands for international Atomic Energy Agency which monitors and control the entire activities related to automic energy at the international level.
41. What do the following stand for?
IBRD:
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
UNHCR:
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
42. Who is Hans Blix?
Hans Blix was Chief UN weapon inspector on Iraq, recently criticised US and UK for Taunching millitary offensive against Iraq.
43. Why was David Kelly in the news recently?
David Kelly was British expert on Iraq, committed suicide. He was UN weapon’s inspector in Iraq, who had emerged as a key figure in the Blair Government’s row with the BBC.
44. What is the problem in Chechnya?
In Chechnya, Chechens are fighting for separate homeland but Russia wants to give “automony within Russia’s border”.
45. What is the significance of the Robin Island?
Robin Island became famous for having been the prison in which Nelson Mandela spent much of his 27 years of incarceration. Now, the island has been declared a World Heritage site.
46. What is the significance of Enola Gay in world history?
On August 6, 1945, Paul W. Tibbets, Jr., piloting the B-29 bomber Enola Gay, dropped the first atom bomb on Hiroshima.
47. Why is Guantanamo Bay in the news now?
Guantanamo Bay is in news because of alleged torture and the inhuman conditions in which arrested terrorists are kept there. It is also the only naval base of the US outside USA soil.
48. What is the theory of “clash of civilization”?
By clash of civilisation we mean the clash of two ideologies. This concept evolved during the era of civil war.
49. What does the theory of “end of history” men?
When an ideology is replaced by a new ideology for example rise of communist form of govt was replaced by democratic and western ideology.
50. Why was Robert Mugabe in the news recently?
President of Zinbabwe, Robert Mugabe was in news for his anti-white policy and flawed election, in which he got himself re-relected.
51. What do the following stand for?
(i) WCAR:
World Conference against Racism.
(ii) SPDC:
State Development Planning Commission.
(iii) INTERPOL:
International Police.
(iv) WIPO:
World Intellectual Property Organisation.
52. Why was Bander Seri Begawan in news recently?
Bander Seri Begawan was in news for ARF (Asian Regional Forum) meet.
53. Who is Xanana Gusmao?
Xanana Gusmao was the first president of East Timor also the leader of its independence struggle.
54. What do you mean by Uni-Polar World?
Fall of Soviet Union has left only one superpower in the world, namely US around which the world economic, strategic and geopolitical games are played.
55. What do you know about North-South dialogue?
Brandth Commission had voted for a north-south dialogue, signifying dialogue between the developed and the developing.
56. What do the following stand for?
(i) UNCHR:
United Nation commission for Human Right.
(ii) UNIDO:
United Nations International Development Organisation.
(iii) WTO:
World Trade Organisation.
(iv) MIGA:
Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.
57. What is meant by AU?
AU means Africa Union.
58. Explain US stand on the proposal for establishing an International Crime Court.
In United States it is vehemently opposed calling it an unwelcome addition to the international legal establishment.
59. What is the main purpose of G-15?
It is a 17 membered non-aligned countries who seek mutual cooperation in economic field by investment technology transfer, trade and commerce for development.
60. Why is SAFTA being mooted?
In the wake of economic liberalisation SAFTA will declare the SAARC Region free from any trade barrier for mutual growth and cooperation.
61. Universal Postal Bill.
It came into existence in 1875. The universal postal convention was adopted by the postal congress of Berne on 9th October, 1874, it became the base for the Universal Postal Union.
The Union Postal Bill aims at –
1. To assure various postal services organization and protection.
2. To take steps for the promotion of international collaboration.
3. They are united as single postal territory for the reciprocal exchange of correspondence.
It is a specialized agency of the UN Since 1948. Its constitution adopted in 1964. There is a provision of meeting of the universal postal congress every three years. It has a 44 member council of Administration.
To function as permanent secretariat, there is a 40 member postal operations council and an International Burean.
62. Economic and Social Council.
The economic and social council was set up by the UN charter as the principal organ to co-ordinate the functions of the UN, Specialized Agencies and institutions with regard to international economic, social, cultural, educational, health and related matters.
It operates under the authority and supervision of the General Assembly and is responsible to it. ECOSOC is committed to establish world peace by creating conditions of stability and well-being required for peaceful and friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self determination of the people.
However with the increase in membership of UNO to 189, a Plea is made for further increase in its membership to make it more representative.
63. Florence Nightingle.
Florence Nightingle, the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ a British nurse had great contribution in serving war injured soldiers and persons. Born in 1820, she started her noble function for was injured in Crimea – war 1854-56. She constituted “Women Nursing”, an organization of nurses to serve injured soldiers in was without any discrimination of country or nationality.
She helped improving hospital management. She was the inspiration force behind the establishment of “Red Cross” institute in Geneva in 1863, for the service of war and natural disaster victims in any part of the world.
She believed no differentiation based on nationality and country. All victims are of same class sufferer. She died in 1910.
64. What does track two diplomacy stands for?
It is a kind of informal diplomacy of people to people level of contacts, Journalists, NGO’s access and efforts create Track II diplomacy.
65. Non-alignment is a need, not a creed. Elaborate.
When the mutually rising interest in various fields may lead countries, to form groups in the world, Non-alignment has been proved to be greater need to maintain the world free of block and Groups.
66. Differentiate between Peace-making and peace keeping.
When disputes are solved by two or more nations in order to maintain peace, it is called peacemaking by them. While some other nation or group attempts to pacify the disturbance of any country, it is called peace-keeping.
Deterrence is a policy of international politics. Fear of attack or economic ban is created over other nations to prevent those taking adverse decisions to the country’s national interest.
68. C ryogenic engine become necessary for India?
Russian organization find helplessness due to the American pressure to supply cryogenic engines to India as was agreed. This forced India to go for its own indigenous cryogenic technology.
69. What does the Global organization of people of Indian origin stand for?
It collectively acts to protect the interest of PIO in the world and progress of their interests.
70. What do the following stand for?
(i) SAARC:
South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation.
(ii) ASEAN:
Association of South East Asian Nation
(iii) OIC:
Organisation of Islamic Countries.
Strategic Defence initiative. When a country feels any threat or wants to raise its influence in defense, it takes some strategic initiative.
72. Differentiate between SALT and START?
SALT:
Strategic Arms Limit Talks conducted between USA and USSR.
START:
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty conducted between USA and Russia.
73. What do you know about G-77?
Under UNCTAD, G-77 was established in 1967 with its headquarters at Geneva. It had 77 members especially developing countries.
74. What is Global Environmental Facility (GEF)?
It Provides fund to developing and poor countries for environmental conservation, control Global warming. It was established under the Rio-Conference – 1991.
Note: (It is a question related to current topic. In today’s context, it is not relevant, concentration should be on today’s affairs).